| Summary: | ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of diabetes is expected to rise all over the world, which puts an increases demand and strain on the current health care systems. Self-care is an important part of caring for patients with diabetes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe nurses’ experiences and knowledge regarding assisted self-care of diabetic inpatients within medical care. Method: This study used a qualitative approach with individual interviews. Ten nurses were involved in the interview process and an interview guide with open questions was used. Content analysis of the transcribed material was performed. Results: The nurses experienced their knowledge and understanding related to diabetic selfcare of patients to be varied. Newly diagnosed patients, patients with bad compliance and elderly patients were perceived as more difficult by the nurses involved. Participation in selfcare varied depending on patient compliance, patient ability and if the patient was invited to take part. Nurses knowledge related to diabetes and medicines varied, difficulties were due to lack of knowledge related to abnormal blood sugar levels and insulin doses, as well as being unable to communicate the appropriate information to the patient due to patient inability to comprehend the information. Another difficulty was the lack of time to keep up to date with the latest knowledge regarding diabetic medicines. Nurses wanted to give the patient the correct information and considered this crucial, as well as it being appreciated by the patients. Conclusion: The nurses’ perception of their knowledge and experiences varied. An increased requirement of knowledge within diabetes and self-care was wanted. Nurses should feel confident when caring for patients with assisted self-care and be able to inform, support and encourage the patient to be involved in self-care. Continued training and guidance should therefore be provided to nurses working in the medical ward
|
|---|
